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Poole offers a superb range of attractions, activities, festivals and events all year round. Explore new places with your group, visit your favourite attractions or try something new.
Take a look at the Poole Town Centre Map, which highlights coach parking information. Information on Public toilets in Poole can be found on the main council website.
Here’s just a few ideas of places to visit in Poole. You can contact the attractions directly to book a visit in advance, find out about group rates and get further information to make the most of your visit.
Poole Quay for Groups
Poole Quay is a perfect location for groups with a central drop off point at the heart of the quayside and free off site coach parking. Enjoy fabulous harbour views from a wide range of waterside cafes, bars & restaurants, browse in the shops or take a harbour cruise and see Poole from the water.
Poole Quay Highlights
Poole Museum
Dorset's most visited free attraction, Poole Museum offers a great time for all, located in a historic quayside buildings in Poole’s Old Town, also home to Poole's Tourist Information Centre.
Discover the remarkable story of this historic port and its harbour and see outstanding exhibits. Floor 3 has the world’s best public display of Poole Pottery, revealing the remarkable story of this unique British pottery business including an original potter's wheel.
Situated approximately 500 metres from the coach drop off point, the museum has disabled access, toilets and a lift to its three floors and a cafe.
Group tours with afternoon tea available at Scaplen's Court.
**New for 2022 - Major Thomas Hardy exhibition coming to Poole Museum from 28 May - 30 October 2022 **
Poole History
Take a self guided Cockle Trail one hour walk (pick up a leaflet, 50p from the Tourist Information Centre or download a copy). Follow the brass panels set into the pavement exploring Poole's seafaring history. Visit Poole's historic Old Town and 18th Century Merchant Houses where Poole gained its fortune from rich trade with Newfoundland.
A visit to Poole Quay isn't complete without a Harbour Cruise...
City Cruises Poole
City Cruises Poole offer a wide range of cruises throughout the year. See the best views in Dorset with our sightseeing, dining and evening cruises. Whether it’s a short cruise in Europe’s largest natural Harbour, a cruise down the Jurassic Coast to the Victorian resort of Swanage, or a Sea Train Adventure, there is something for all tastes. With a licensed bar & tea / coffee lounges onboard and a full commentary from our experienced Captains we will make your trip extra special.
Brownsea Island Ferry Trips available with Greenslades Pleasure Boats.
Come see the wonderful Poole Harbour and Dorset coastline from a different angle. Take one of the many boat trips and pleasure cruises that regularly run from the town’s bustling quayside, around the harbour or along the Wareham River. With 3 boats offering capacity for 150-179 people space for a dance floor, disco, live bands plus a fully licensed bar, it is a great option for groups.
Away from Poole Quay…
Use the Route One bus service that links the quay, Poole Park and shopping centre every 15 minutes (excluding Sundays).
RNLI Discovery Tours
The RNLI have a fascinating 150 year history in Poole. Take a behind the scenes 90 minute tour to learn more about this history and see how the volunteer crews and lifeguards are trained or take a tour of the state of the art ship building facilities. Advanced booking essential.
Follow the level harbour footpath along the quayside passing through Harbourside Park and into the Victorian oasis of Poole Park. The central lake is surrounded by facilities such as play parks, tennis courts, a bowling green, cricket pitch, watersports and boating on the lake. The Ark offers soft play, a pottery studio and café.
Three miles out of the Town Centre you will find Upton County Park with over 100 acres of parkland, shoreline and formal estate gardens. The historic house, rustic play trail, formal walled gardens and café make for a wonderful day out.
Compton Acres is recognised as one of the most important ornamental gardens in England and acknowledged as one of the finest privately-owned gardens in the country.
Evening Entertainment and activities
Enjoy a year-round programme of national and international shows at Lighthouse – The largest arts centre outside London, with group discount available. Home to the world class Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra see programmes packed with top comedy and concert greats, intimate performances and cutting edge theatre.
Group Attractions on our doorstep
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park
Swanage Railway
Russell-Cotes Museum
BH Live
Highcliffe Castle
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
RockReef Indoor Activity Centre & PierZip
CitySightseeing Bournemouth
Poole Hill Brewery
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Condor Ferries
Visit our Group Itineraries page for ideas and inspiration.
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